Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from China.
On the morning of April 14, thousands of primarily Tibetan Yushu County residents in the southernmost Qinghai province were suddenly buried in debris when a 6.9-magnitude temblor struck.

Cairenlagong, Earthquake survivor, 17-years-old :  When the earthquake happened, my parents and I were at the entrance of our house.

But my parents rushed into the house to rescue my younger brother. I escaped alone. They tried to rescue my younger brother but failed. All of them died.

Some 2,000 people perished and 12,135 others were injured as 85% of all buildings collapsed, including 15,000 houses.

Correspondent (F): Most of the Tibetan people are suffering the pain of having lost their loved ones and homes.
At the same time, they lack clothing, food, and medicine.

Earthquake victim (F): We have 14 people in my family. My father is heavily injured. My mother and cousin died together, and my grandma, died there.

Now we have nothing left. Only one tent and convenient noodles. We don’t have any more clothes. Only one tent.

VOICE: Sending her heartfelt sorrow and prayers, Supreme Master Ching Hai donated US$15,000, asking that our nearby Association members go help the most vulnerable.

Along with donations from our Association members, the total contribution of US$44,240 could acquire US$316,000 in emergency items bought in the United States, based on China's cost of living.

Covering their own travel expenses of approximately US$4,400, our Chinese Association members quickly went to the heavily affected and remote areas to deliver urgent supplies.

In addition to the harsh winds of the region’s still-wintry weather, its elevation of some 4,000 meters above sea level caused our Association members and other relief workers alike to suffer from altitude sickness and fatigue.

However, the relief team continued to travel long distances to bring aid as well as set up cooking facilities to provide fresh, warm, revitalizing vegan meals to victims in tent camps and a nursing home, as well as for workers and homeless dogs.

Relief worker (M): Your food is just in time. It is very practical. This is very good. I have discovered that many people are trying to help us,  but you are very special. You are very considerate.
Relief recipient 1 (M): Delicious.
Relief recipient 3 (M): It’s super delicious!
Relief recipient (F): It is due to the help of all the people, now we have the courage to move ahead. All the victims feel very grateful for all the help we got. Because of those people, we have the confidence to face tomorrow’s life.

Correspondent (F):  We hope the victims will soon be back to normal life. This is Supreme Master Television, reporting from Yushu, China.

VOICE: Our appreciation, Chinese government and organizations, for your assistance to the quake stricken. We also thank Supreme Master Ching Hai for her unconditional support that brings comfort to those in need, as well as our Association members for their dedicated efforts.

May Buddha bless the region’s Tibetan people with a smooth recovery of their productive lives as our greater care for one another and the environment helps calm our ecosphere.